Understanding the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU): Research, Analysis, and Global Forecasting
In an increasingly complex global economy, decision-makers rely on high-quality data to navigate risks and identify opportunities. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) serves as a premier provider of these insights. As the research and analysis division of the British media company The Economist Group, the EIU delivers specialized forecasting and advisory services to clients worldwide.
Since its founding in 1946, the EIU has established itself as a cornerstone of economic intelligence. By providing deep-dive analysis into countries, industries, and management practices, the unit helps organizations understand the shifting tides of global politics and economics.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1946
- Headquarters: London, England
- Parent Company: The Economist Group
- Core Services: Economic forecasting, country risk analysis, and industry research
- Global Presence: Main offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai
- Current Managing Director: Leon Calvert (appointed April 2025)
Core Services and Research Products
The EIU offers a diverse range of products designed to provide clarity on macro and microeconomic trends. Their research is delivered through various formats, including monthly country reports, five-year economic forecasts, and specialized industry reports.
Global Indices and Specialized Reports
The EIU is well-known for producing influential indices that quantify complex political and social metrics. One of their most prominent outputs is the Democracy Index. Launched in 2006, this index examines the state of democracy in 167 countries by evaluating five key categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture.
Other notable research initiatives include:
- Government Broadband Index (gBBi): Released in 2011, this index assesses how countries plan for next-generation broadband networks, focusing on government planning rather than current capabilities.
- CHAMPS Report: A specialized study profiling China's fastest-growing cities—Chongqing, Hefei, Anshan, Maanshan, Pingdingshan, and Shenyang—highlighting business opportunities driven by construction booms and rising consumer spending.
- Market Explorer: Launched in 2015 in collaboration with Canback, this online tool allows users to scan global markets to identify optimal locations for products or services.
Summary of EIU Corporate Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Type | Research and analysis division |
| Primary Products | Forecasting, economic research, and advisory services |
| Key Subsidiaries | Bazian, Clearstate, Canback Consulting |
| Major Global Hubs | London, New York, Hong Kong, Dubai |
Strategic Acquisitions and Subsidiaries
To enhance its analytical depth across various sectors, the EIU has strategically acquired several specialized firms. These subsidiaries allow the EIU to provide niche expertise in healthcare, life sciences, and consumer analytics.
Healthcare and Life Sciences Expertise
Through the acquisition of Bazian in 2012, the EIU expanded into clinical evidence analysis. Bazian specializes in assessing the clinical effectiveness and value for money of health services and technologies. Additionally, the 2012 acquisition of Clearstate brought specialized market intelligence to the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the healthcare and life sciences domains.
Consumer and Management Consulting
In 2015, the EIU acquired Canback & Company, a global management consulting firm that utilizes predictive analytics—the use of data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes—to serve consumer-facing industries. Canback was officially integrated into the EIU in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the EIU?
The EIU provides forecasting, economic research, and advisory services. It helps businesses and organizations understand country risks, industry trends, and management challenges through detailed analysis and reports.
Who leads the Economist Intelligence Unit?
As of April 2025, the Managing Director of the EIU is Leon Calvert. He succeeded Robin Bew, who previously served as the Editorial Director and Chief Economist.
What is the Democracy Index?
The Democracy Index is an annual report that quantifies the state of democracy in 167 countries. It measures five specific areas: political culture, functioning of government, political participation, civil liberties, and the electoral process and pluralism.
How does the Market Explorer tool work?
Market Explorer is an online tool developed in collaboration with Canback. It is designed to help users scan various markets in different countries and cities to find the most suitable locations for specific products or services.
What does the Government Broadband Index measure?
Rather than looking at current internet speeds, the Government Broadband Index (gBBi) assesses how well governments are planning for future broadband capabilities, including targets for speed and coverage of next-generation networks.